Billy Boy: The Sunday Soldier of the 17th Maine

by Jean Mary Flahive

When twenty-year-old Billy Laird of Berwick excitedly enlists in the Union Army with his hometown pals, he has no idea what lies ahead for him. Mentally challenged, he is ill prepared for the training and fighting, but he gets by with the help of his friends. Soon, however, he is sent to a different unit without them. Lonely and unsure of what to do without his friends, Billy runs off and meets up with a runaway slave, Elijah. Together, and with the help of the Underground Railroad, the two make their way north to their fates. This young adult novel-inspired by a real person, Billy Laird, and an actual event-is a tale of friendship, loyalty, and compassion and will enthrall readers of all ages. It was painstakingly researched by Flahive and provides a wealth of information about the role that Mainers played in the Civil War.

Genres: Historical Fiction

294 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2007

About the author

Jean has a long career in higher education, serving as a dean of students at a community college in Maine, and as an adjunct instructor at the college level. Jean has worked as a grantwriting consultant for the Passamaquoddy Tribe, rural communities and non-profit organizations throughout Maine. Jean lives in South Portland, Maine with her husband Bill.

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to us by my father-in-law because it takes place, in part, in his hometown of Berwick, Maine. In fact, the main character, Billy Laird, lives on the same road where my husbands's family have lived for generations. My children's ancestors undoubtedly knew the real Billy Laird. Even though this is a novel, it was based on a real person. I expected to enjoy reading about a small New England town with which I'm very familiar. What I didn't expect was a book that was both touching and engaging. Definitely one I will pass around to friends and family.

[Cassandra Moody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Based in Maine, this story was very touching. Although tough to read at times (emotional), it was a different time period, and I had to work my way through accepting that. I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to someone who is interested in an eye opening read based in the 1860s and the way of life in Maine then.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was interesting to read about my home town during the civil war. The ending made me cry even though I knew it was coming.

[Susan Emmet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jean Mary Flahive appears to have done her research well.
William Laird's beginnings and ending are documented. The in-between times are fictional and aptly captured; they are the heart of the book.
Billy was "mentally challenged" and yet decided to head off with friends, to muster out, as a private in the Maine 17th. After completing training, and on the verge of huge battles outside Washington, DC, he is transferred to a new group to help with horses. Mocked and distraught, he takes off.
The story of his meeting and saving Elijah, an escaped and horribly hurt slave, and of their moving north by following the North Star, is remarkable, as is their journey further north with the help of Quaker abolitionists connected to the Underground Railroad.
I won't mar the ironic and moving conclusion. Suffice it to say that this is a fine YAL and adult read.

[Wendi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is SO GOOD. This book is set during the Civil War and is based on a true story of a "simple-minded" young man who lived in Maine. He joins the Army to be with his friends and ends up deserting because he was assigned to a different unit than his friends. This story is exciting. The friendship that develops between Billy & Elijah made me cry. It really is a beautiful story about love, friendship and the harsh realities of war.

[Johanna Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

A emotional tear jerker. One of the best books I have ever read, and one I always come back to. Billy is a character everyone can relate to, and while following him on his journey, the reader creates an intense bond with him. A beautiful book, and one I recommend not just to history buffs, and not just to people who enjoy emotional books, but to all people with an empathy for the most relatable and human of heroes.

[Peter Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad to have read this otherwise little known story. Jean Flahive is indeed a gifted author and story teller, bringing fully to life both the characters of this novel as well as the context and ambience of the times. Knowing the area in Maine well, I found the story brimming with accurate geographical and historical detail making it both interesting and pleasurable to read. Thank you for researching and telling this wonderful story!

[Kyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story is loosely based on a real Maine solider, and the author has clearly done her research. I felt however that in her attempt to make the book historically accurate, she included a lot of information that was not necessary, and the writing seems forced.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is good and based loosely on a real historical figure in my part of Maine. So I was interested, but the writing just didn't hold me after a while. I found it predictable and corny at times. It has a kind of young adult feel to it, which is fine but I was expecting a grown-up novel.

[T-robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bringing the Civil war to a personal level of love and loss. Historically accurate and moving!